From the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.
Iraq launches the Updated Nationally Determined Contribution
Under the patronage of Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Ali Al-Zaidi, Iraq today officially launched its Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), setting out a strengthened framework for climate action through 2035.
Coordinated between the Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the updated NDC raises Iraq's climate ambition while linking climate action with economic diversification, energy and water security, resilience, investment and sustainable development.
Submitted to the UNFCCC [UN Framework Convention on Climate Change] in November 2025, the updated NDC raises Iraq's unconditional emissions-reduction target to up to 3 per cent below business-as-usual (BAU) by 2030 and establishes a new unconditional target of up to 5 per cent by 2035. A further conditional reduction of up to 17 per cent by 2035, subject to international climate finance, technology transfer and capacity-building support, brings the potential total reduction to up to 22 per cent below BAU.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Ali Al-Zaidi at the launch, Dr. Ihsan Al-Awadi emphasised the national importance of the Updated NDC, saying: "We view this document as a national priority and a practical pathway to link climate action with economic and social development."
"Iraq's Updated NDC marks an important step from climate ambition towards implementation. The priority now is to translate these commitments into investment, stronger institutions and practical solutions that improve resilience, protect water and livelihoods, and support Iraq's development." said H.E. Ms. Sarwa Abdulwahid Qader, Minister of Environment.
"Iraq's Updated NDC provides an important framework for turning climate ambition into concrete action. Its success will depend on strong national leadership, coordinated implementation and sustained international partnership. The United Nations stands ready to support Iraq in this next phase." said Peter Hawkins, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Iraq.
The NDC covers mitigation across energy, oil and gas, electricity, transport, industry, agriculture and waste, while prioritising adaptation in water resources, agriculture, health and Iraq's special ecosystems, including forests, mountains and the Mesopotamian Marshes.
"Iraq has outlined a more ambitious climate course. The priority now is implementation: translating commitments into investment, strengthening institutions and mobilising the finance, technology and partnerships needed to deliver measurable results for Iraqi citizens." said Mehdi Khalili, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Iraq.
For more than a decade, UNDP has supported the Government of Iraq in advancing its climate agenda, Policy, Strategies and strengthening national action on climate change. Most recently, UNDP provided technical support throughout the NDC updating process, with financial support from the United Kingdom under the Climate Promise Initiative, as part of a broader United Nations effort. The next phase will focus on implementation, climate finance, investment and partnerships, alongside stronger climate data, monitoring and measurement systems.
The launch marks the beginning of Iraq's next phase of climate action, translating national ambition into implementation and tangible development results.
No comments yet.